THE BEST IN BEAUTY FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

THEBRAIN-BOOSTINGSUPPLEMENT

In her quest to live cleaner, this editor found that The Nue Co’s Nootro-Focus offered the same brain-boosting power as prescription stimulants.

Written ByVANESSA FITZGERALD

Photography ByDREW ESCRIVA

Since detoxing off of Adderall, I’m constantly on the lookout for clean focus supplements that give me the same kind of mental clarity and brain-boosting effects as prescription meds. But it’s not easy. Most clean alternatives disappoint: they do nothing, are not actually that clean, or only work for a short period of time.

Enter Nootro-focus from The Nue Co. It’s one of the best focus supplements I’ve tried thus far. For one thing, the formulation is extremely clean—the supplement is comprised of naturally occurring ingredients (including my favorites, lion’s mane, and Rhodiola). And equally important: it works. After taking Nootro-focus, I feel clear-headed, energized, and ready to take on a full day of health coaching.

Here’s a closer look at what’s inside Nootro-focus, and how it works on your brain:

CITICOLINE

This naturally occurring compound is known as the building block of cell membranes—which makes it an excellent additive to any brain-boosting supplement. Citicoline is used for Alzheimer’s, memory loss, ADHD, and many more brain function-related diseases and disorders.

BACOPA

Bacopa, also known as brahmi, is a plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s been proven to increase memory and brain function due to its stimulation of cognitive neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin.

This ingredient is amazing for anxiety. An amino acid found in green tea, L-theanine helps reduce anxiety by blocking glutamate receptors and promoting GABA inhibitors. Basically, L-theanine acts as a shield for the brain, guarding against anxious tendencies and boosting cognitive function.

GINKGO

Ginkgo comes from the Ginkgo biloba tree and has been used in herbal medicine for hundreds of years. The plant contains high levels of antioxidants known to protect cells against harmful agents such as cancer, stress, and anxiety—all of which lead to decreased cognitive ability.

RHODIOLA & ORGANIC LION’S MANE MUSHROOM

Finally, my favorite ingredients: Rhodiola and Lion’s Mane! Rhodiola is a flowering plant that is proven to decrease stress, improve brain function, fight fatigue, and do so many more amazing things. Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom is exactly what it sounds like: a mushroom with a long, hair-like mane! Native to North America, Asia, and Europe, Lion’s Mane has the ability to promote brain function and is used in Eastern medicine practices to protect against dementia and treat ADHD.